> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/procedure/wildlife-considerations.md). # Wildlife considerations Participation of sites testing semi-captive or wild subjects is welcome. Interested labs/teams/sites should contact project leads at prior to experimentation to discuss protocol feasibility and implementation. 1. Wild or semi-captive species should be tested in a familiar area in which they are used to being interacted with by experimenters. Acclimation to the testing environment (Step 1) may be omitted if justified and documented. 2. Weather conditions – Testing with diurnal species should only take place on sunny or partially cloudy days with minimal wind (no heavy cloud or precipitation) to ensure the task is clearly visible to subjects. Testing with nocturnal species should likewise be scheduled during stable, favorable weather conditions to maintain consistent testing visibility. In all cases, both the stimuli and the subject’s choice must be clearly visible in the video recordings. 3. Temperature – Testing should only take place on days with temperatures within the thermoneutral zone of the species being tested, as high and low temperatures are known to affect cognitive performance. 4. Where feasible, testing should be conducted in social isolation so that other subjects cannot observe the task (e.g., by positioning the experimental setup behind a bush, rock, or other natural barrier that blocks visual access). Testing sites are responsible for reliably identifying individual subjects and for recording any instances of interference from conspecifics during testing. 5. Where possible, the opaque barrier should be used to block view and access to the stimuli before the start of a trial and between trials. If this is not possible, or it results in neophobic or fear responses, the experimental setup should be removed by the experimenter between trials. 6. If a subject leaves the testing environment during testing (i.e., before making a choice), the experimenter should wait an appropriate predetermined amount of time for them to return. If the subject does not return within the allotted time, testing halts and the trial is a no choice (NA). Testing resumes in another session with a new trial. It is important to document in these situations the time that the subject left the testing area, and when testing resumed. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://manymanys.gitbook.io/mm1-lab-manual/procedure/wildlife-considerations.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.